Oswego to Canada, crossing lake Ontario - Ep#10

[@jetlag4754]

The Erie Canal is on my bucketlist of things to do. Love the canal and the people along the way.

[@peterinsyracuse7056]

At about 14:40 in this video, in one of the Oswego canal locks, you can see a fixed black vertical cable mounted into the lock wall. These are much much easier to use than the hanging lines (which are free at the bottom). To use the cable, you loop a line around it, back to the boat, with a half turn on a mid ship cleat. Your line slides down (or up) the cable. You have much more leverage to control the boat this way than just hanging on by hand.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes, I agree, however for some reason my boat does not ride up straight when looped at midship. The stern digs in the wall and the bow swings way way out. I’m thinking it has something to due with my large props and rudders being effected by the turbulence. I wish these locks would do like the Trent Severn locks. A slick cable every 12 feet or so. That allows me to tie midship and stern. Plus the cables are on the face of the walls, not tucked inside a square crevasse. Cheers.

[@larrystrickland7176]

I had the same finger injury several years ago and I know that pain. Same stupid wonderful tool too! LOL. The infamous mandolin. Urgent care put an aluminum finger splint on it and wrapped it, so nothing would irritate/bump it while it was healing. It also enabled the bandage to not be so tight against the wound itself. Cumbersome as all get out, but helped it heal faster and without the pain of the occasional bumps that just can't be avoided. I suppose a large thimble would work too and be less cumbersome. There's all sorts and sizes on Amzn.

[@gary9674]

I'm happy to see wearing the PFD and gloves when working the locks. Keep up the good work and you seem to be a little more chiout on the locks.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yep, it’s starting to be old hat now that I’ve done about 40 locks to date. I’m about a week or so behind on my videos.

[@mikaelpedersen1327]

Amazing and wonderful adventure!

[@MV_Checkmate]

It really is!

[@MSWaybright]

My son caught his first fish right where you refilled your fluid after the lock. We hope you enjoyed our small part of NY. I look forward to seeing the rest of your trip, safe travels !

[@MV_Checkmate]

That’s fantastic! I hope he still has fishing in his nature. Cheers.

[@douggilmour2704]

Welcome to Canada!!! Enjoy the Trent - it's amazing.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you! Will do!

[@nerdgarage]

Nicely done docking in Collins.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Slow as slow does it as long as there is no wind or current.

[@MVCompassRose]

Make sure if you have any future rainy day videos, you show us! We’d love to see rainy day cozy videos from inside the yacht! 😊

[@MV_Checkmate]

Hmmm, OK. Sounds pretty boring but I’ll see what I can come up with as a video. Cheers

[@johnmarschalk1977]

Like your philosophy on thruster use. If that's all you do, in trouble if something gets sucked into it/them and you've never done it engines only

[@steevetheriault1717]

Bienvenu au Canada. Welcome to Canada

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thank you.

[@michaelgill5673]

Wonderful to see you at the Collins Bay Marina Kingston from a Kingston Boy. You missed out on not visiting Kingston the finest city in Canada

[@lesliefleming4359]

Good luck for the finger. Trent severans got I need Lyft lock that I think you will enjoy

[@MV_Checkmate]

thanks

[@mikeblanton6854]

I just started watching your videos....great stuff...but....you need some kevlar gloves,a footbal helmet,steeled toed boots,a back brace...maybe knee and elbow pads and wear a life jacket ALL the time. Your luck is not good so far! Be careful man!!! Keep up the good work but be safe!!!!!

[@MV_Checkmate]

That’s friggin hilarious! Lately I think you just might be right. Ha.

[@MrRules100]

How about a follow-up on the steering leak. Did you find the leak? Your thrusters are not for emergency use only. They are a tool, just like your engines. Feel free to use them as needed to maintain your position or to assist in docking. Maybe you ought to get to a quick care office and have them look at your finger and put a proper bandage on it. You don't want an infection to spoil your trip. BTW, how many laps was that time lapse?

[@MV_Checkmate]

Emergency was a bad term to use. I generally ramble on off-the-cuff and don't choose my words correctly at times, or maybe most of the time, ha. The leak turned out to be the o-ring on the steering ram. Trying to get one replaced on the Trent Severn is pretty much nil. Hopefully it can wait till I return to the States.

[@brianwallebeck1906]

That answers my question

[@StanleyTyler-zr7ki]

​@@MV_Checkmateis that the O-ring he offered in Peterborough?

[@MV_Checkmate]

@MrRules100 Oh No… Did I misspell tyme lapse?

[@andrew-i1l3k]

i love your boat and what kind of boat you have ? its also inclosed to so you can drive the boat in the winter time probarly

[@promacpic]

Sorry to hear about your finger. Perhaps you could recruit some spare crew from other boats transiting the Trent Severn canal to help you out through the locks while your finger heals. Don’t be afraid to ask for volunteers here too - I’m sure there are some viewers/subscribers reasonably close to some of the locks you’re transiting who’d love to help you transit or provision. I might be able to help you out at locks from Kirkfield to Port Severn depending on when you’re transiting that section.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for the suggestion. My finger is almost healed. The Trent Severn locks have been a breeze. I learn quick. Cheers

[@marxtr6]

You need to either stop using the mandolin or start using the spiked holder that touches the veggies. Never use those things while hand holding the vegetable. Maybe see a doc while you’re waiting. May need a stitch or two. Hang in there you’re doing a great job other than trying to feed yourself🤪

[@StanleyTyler-zr7ki]

Put a camera on the back

[@canuckloyalist4681]

Just a heads up fishing licenses are required for residents and non residents. I don't know if there is an age exemptions for non residents.

[@jerplane400]

Rainy day video request. How about a tour of your yacht and a background story of your life, work etc.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Coming soon.

[@EdGreenberg]

This is the first of your videos that I'm watching. My main question is, how many cameras do you have on that boat? And what kind? You seem to have all kinds of views and you are single handing. I also wanted to mention that the pronunciation of the canal name is Oswego with a long E, osw eee go, not OSWayGo. I went to school there.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Thanks for the proper pronunciation. I have way too many cameras. I’ve got 4 GoPros, a Panasonic handy cam, an iPhone, and a 360 camera, plus a DJI drone. I try to only use about 3 of them at a time to make a video. It’s a real chore keeping track of which camera has which video.

[@willsmith3268]

What are your fuel costs ?

[@theabsolutetruth2024]

Could you go over your boat again? Type, size, make/model. Maybe a tour around if you haven't already? Safe travels!

[@MV_Checkmate]

I’m planning on doing a tour of my boat in an upcoming video. Stay tuned.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Soon, stay tuned.

[@theabsolutetruth2024]

@@MV_Checkmate Will do. Thanks for replying and safe travels.

[@robertbennett6697]

At the risk of being a nosy, busybody, at what point do you think you should throw the mandolin away?

[@MV_Checkmate]

But what else would I use to cut my finger with? ha.

[@mikefleming8352]

I crushed my pinkie finger years ago, and I have cut the tip off so many times because I have no feeling in it. Just wet a teabag and hold it on the cut. Bleeding stops.

[@gaylelande2855]

Have you solved the steering problem?

[@MV_Checkmate]

its the o-ring on the steering ram. Trying to get one replaced on the Trent Severn is pretty much nil. Hopefully it can wait till I return to the States.

[@lordTowle]

You need to have blood clotting agent on board. Then some stuff called Nu-skin (it will burn when you first put it on). Between the both, you would be okay. Best of luck.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I bought some nu-skin. And yes it burns.. ha.

[@glbaker5595]

What is your fuel burn rate on average

[@MV_Checkmate]

2.7 mpg

[@glbaker5595]

@@MV_Checkmate thxs for the reply and stay save this 4th of July,, it looks like you are in really beautiful country, play the good Lord bless you and keep enjoying yourself and living your life fully,,

[@DooDooFairy]

How did you make out with steering fluid leak?

[@MV_Checkmate]

its the o-ring on the steering ram. Trying to get one replaced on the Trent Severn is pretty much nil. Hopefully it can wait till I return to the States.

[@8560mkkem]

What are thoose round disk all over t he underside of your bimini top?

[@MV_Checkmate]

I’ll add an explanation in an upcoming video to show you what they are for. I’ll keep up the suspense for now. 😊

[@brianwallebeck1906]

Did you find your steering leak?

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes, it’s the seal on the hydraulic ram.

[@andrew-i1l3k]

DO YOU ACTUALLY HAVE A HEATER IN YOUR YACT TO FOR THE WINTER ??

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes

[@AdventuresonTour]

Hey, saw you in Campbellford ON few days ago.. I was heading up river in my Highfield as you where heading to the town wall, got a wave from you. Was going to say hi on my way back down river, but you where busy getting tied up so I let you be. Hope the trip up the river has been good.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Cool! Yes, it’s been very delightful.

[@HelpatHomeJim]

Wow, that lake looks vast, like an ocean. So terribly sorry that you sliced your finger so badly. You should go to the local dr and get it checked out.

[@woodycooper7551]

If this was already mentioned, forgive me. Be sure to fly a small Canadian flag off your starboard spreader (or whatever you got) as a courtesy. You didn't mention a yellow Q flag either but that's good stuff for a future video.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I am. It’s in the next video. Q flag is not widely recognized in Canada and has dual meanings so I prefer not to fly it.

[@woodycooper7551]

@@MV_Checkmate keep up the good work. You're really making progress.

[@nerdgarage]

Finger tip cuts SUCK for all the reasons you mentioned and more. Tip : Fold bandaid or tape over end of finger then wrap another bandaid/tape around to help hold in place.

[@MV_Checkmate]

It's finally starting to heal.

[@rl8992]

Welcome! You should really have toured the Islands.

[@MV_Checkmate]

I know, but I’m not much of a tourist. I really love the wildernesses and being away from the crowds.

[@greatlakesstudio2925]

we do not eat baked beans for breakfast

[@johncraig9869]

I do sometimes, but I learned from one of my US trips

[@chrisetherington3968]

thank you

[@FloridaYachtInsuranceGuy]

How much are you supposed to tip? Seems like it can become pretty expensive. Great video!

[@MV_Checkmate]

I give $5

[@FloridaYachtInsuranceGuy]

@@MV_Checkmate dumb quest...$5 per helper or per docking? thanks.

[@MV_Checkmate]

@@FloridaYachtInsuranceGuy it depends. If there are 2 handlers and they help tie up, run my power, and just be very helpful then $5 each. Yesterday I was met by 3 dock hands, each one grabbed a line and wrapped it quickly around the dock cleats and stood there. I didn’t tip any of them. So it really depends.

[@FloridaYachtInsuranceGuy]

@@MV_Checkmate Thank you sir! I can imagine it would get expensive at $10-15 every time you dock.

[@cgirl111]

I won't use my mandolin slicer without my cut gloves.

[@MV_Checkmate]

that's a great idea.

[@mclaypole]

If you want an o-ring and some spares, give me the o-ring number or dimensions and the material type (i.e. nitrile, buna-n etc.) and ill get some for you when you get to Peterborough (assuming that you haven passed here already). Mark from Peterborough

[@MV_Checkmate]

I really appreciate the offer as I’m currently in Peterborough. It’s not simply an o-ring, it’s actually a kit made specifically for this ram model and year. Plus the end of the ram requires a special tool to remove the captive flange. Thanks anyway.

[@richbowie76]

👍X10

[@pamluby6663]

Go to the doc and get antibiotics . You don’t want to mess with an open wound

[@dpeters24]

Toss the mandolin please!

[@canuckloyalist4681]

Mandolins are fine but use the guide!

[@paulharmina7480]

Might want to get a pair of gloves to handle those dirty lines.

[@jeromebarnett7565]

You need some Kevlar cooking gloves.

[@MV_Checkmate]

Yes I do.

[@jeromebarnett7565]

​@MV_Checkmate I have some because I am on blood thinners.

[@DanBoyd-n3b]

Clean up the inside of the boat!

[@AlwxEdwards]

$5 tip!? Lol, what is this, 1995!? Dude, $10/ person is minimum... inflation is s a beast. $5 won't even get you a meal at a McDonald's

[@mrgibsonmrgibson]

You’re entering Ontario, it’s an English speaking province. If you wanted to speak French you should have turned right and headed to Quebec instead of the Trent Severn. You seem like a nice guy but that was an ignorant comment

[@MV_Checkmate]

It was said in a humorous context. I try keeping things light hearted. Life is too short to be serious all the time. I hope you understand. Cheers.

[@johncraig9869]

No it wasn't

[@mrgibsonmrgibson]

@@MV_Checkmate ok well just to clarify, that was the kind of funny that makes me laugh @ you not with you. As Canadians, we learn everything about America from an early age. It’s disappointing to be constantly reminded how little our neighbours and closest friends know about us in return. First time watching your channel, enjoy your trip

[@MV_Checkmate]

@@mrgibsonmrgibson I’m sorry you feel that way. And yes you are correct, I know very little about Canadians. Wish I knew more. Thanks for watching. Cheers.